1983 380SL Biscayne Blue

Kenny_McCormic wrote: In reply to Gasoline: I dont think they really go that wide OEM.

Yea, It is not looking good for 5X112mm. I have Ford 5X4.5" stuff that I am pondering about putting under it.

On another note.

Stripping and weight removal has begun. What a tank! I would love to get 1,500 pounds out of it, before I add the cage. Thinking about keeping the glass at this point....2,500lb target?

I spent 10 minutes trying to get it running. The Mercedes battery in the trunk was loose from the battery cables. Hooked it up and the motor turns over well, but no start. Poked around under the hood and the distributor cap was loose. Put it back on and the distributor was loose also. Noticed some of the vacuum lines are off also? Aghh!!?

Spent time looking at the K member and the steering box etc. First impression, it is not! a friendly environment for a LS swap. Transmission tunnel looks tight. Motor needs to be close to the firewall so front accessory’s don't hit, and motor and transmission need to be as far forward so it fits in the transmission tunnel. Overall looks kinda ugly. At this point I just want this motor out! and am giving up on getting it running/started.

Feel pretty sure it would be easier doing away with the Mercedes suspension and go with Ford K member/bits? I have done a couple of LS swaps into Mustangs and am comfortable. Got another Ford idea to explore once the engine is out.

Liquid intercooler in the passenger area. Keep it IRS?, EFI, C16, heater delete,...I've got a Black Mustang in mind, I will be building for.....

Inspiration:

Looks like some folks have done/tried it. And you're right about the trans tunnel not working out as-is.

LS SL

Oh and also here. Same shop but a bit more information shared through this Benz forum thread....

LS SL 2

redhookfern wrote: Looks like some folks have done/tried it. And you're right about the trans tunnel not working out as-is. LS SL

Cool! Thanks for the links. That is what I was head scratching, K-member is right in the way. I have my own different build plan in mind. It should be another interesting way of shoving a LS in one.

It needs a Mercedes M119 since that is closely related to the the M117 that was in the R107 chassis cars already so the swap shouldn't be too terrible. Bonus points if you can find a 6.0 litre version. Also later 86-89 SLs has bigger and better brakes and a W124 based suspension...

93EXCivic wrote: It needs a Mercedes M119 since that is closely related to the the M117 that was in the R107 chassis cars already so the swap shouldn't be too terrible. Bonus points if you can find a 6.0 litre version. Also later 86-89 SLs has bigger and better brakes and a W124 based suspension...

I like your thinking. Maybe bigger for $2014?

Parting Out 91 Mercedes Benz SL 500 (Monroe, Ga)

In reply to Gasoline:

don't give up on getting the OE engine running, even if you're not going to boost it into the stratosphere. you'll recoup more for a running engine than a non-runner. if you can't figure out where a vacuum hose goes, cap it off at the end you can find. it might not be perfect, but it should be good enough to get it to run.

Gasoline wrote: Inspiration:

I'm having a very hard time getting this picture out of my head. It's just......awesome.

I remember helping a buddy get one of these running after sitting for some years. This was over 10 years ago, but basically the plunger that meters the fuel (I believe) was stuck and it took a lot of fiddling with air to get it to move freely. If I recall correctly, it was similar to the fuel injection on my '87 GTI 16V.

AngryCorvair wrote: In reply to Gasoline: don't give up on getting the OE engine running, even if you're not going to boost it into the stratosphere. you'll recoup more for a running engine than a non-runner. if you can't figure out where a vacuum hose goes, cap it off at the end you can find. it might not be perfect, but it should be good enough to get it to run.

You are right. I will give it a serious starting try before pulling.

Not as cool as the black/silver one, but funny.

IS there a build thread on the black silver car?

Where you at on this?

BTW, if you're having trouble finding 5x112 wheels (you shouldn't), look to VW. But MB has used that pattern for a long time, and there are a lot of options out there. For real fun, get yourself some Vanagon steel wheels and weld in a new barrel.

We bought another house here in Atlanta and amid moving I just could not make $2013. But for $2014 making steady progress and ahead of the game. I will try to get some current pictures.

Mercedes motor was a no go. Drivers side timing chain had busted the cover. I traded it as a core for another core motor, L33 aluminum 5.3l.

Using a powerglide transmission and a single turbocharger. Ford suspension, rearend is IRS. I keeping all of the glass and it will be a heavy weight. I am using as much aluminum as possible. I should have plenty of horsepower.

Here is a twin, started with a 302 if anyone is interested.

380 sl - $800 (Fortson ga)

Has 302 ford drivetrain. Not able to finish

Gasoline wrote: Inspiration:

That is HAWT... Looks like fantastic insiration... Insert saying about flares making everything better here...

Those 3.8's will run a long time, if they have the updated chains and sprockets. Otherwise, time-bomb!!

Hey, what about c4 - c5 corvette underneath?

This is coming to the next Challenge, right?

In reply to David S. Wallens:

Absolutely!

In reply to Gasoline:

This is just awesome sauce